22 Chinese New Year Drawing Ideas 2025 with Short Stories to Bring the Characters to Life

Dive into the mesmerizing world of traditional artistry with our curated collection of Chinese New Year drawing ideas for 2025. Celebrate the upcoming Year of the Snake with creative designs that capture the festive spirit, from playful dragons to lucky symbols. Whether you’re an experienced artist or a beginner, these inspirations promise a delightful creative journey.

Scroll through our adorable images in the slideshow below. Under it, you’ll find the same drawings along with step-by-step instructions on how to create them.

Now, let’s explore the step-by-step instructions for each drawing!

Playful Dragon with Mystical Flames

Chinese New Year drawing ideas 2025 featuring a playful dragon surrounded by mystical flames and swirling clouds, capturing the festive spirit and cultural richness.

Once upon a time, a small dragon named Ming danced through the clouds. Ming loved playing with the mystical flames that guided the New Year. Every year, he brought joy and luck to everyone he met on his adventures.

Follow these steps to draw this lively image.

  1. Start by drawing a small, round face for the dragon with big, expressive eyes.
  2. Add curved horns on top of the head, and draw wavy, feather-like lines for the mane.
  3. Sketch the dragon’s curvy body, making it coil naturally with a few segments to suggest scales.
  4. Surround the dragon with swirling cloud patterns, giving an impression of movement.
  5. Draw small flame shapes around the dragon, making them dance playfully.
  6. Add finishing touches like scales and details on the clouds and flames, using vibrant colors to bring the drawing to life.

Explorer more drawing ideas:

Charming Dragon Beside Lanterns

Chinese New Year drawing ideas 2025 featuring a cute red dragon with a smiling face and a large traditional Chinese lantern beside it. The dragon has colorful, intricate details and swirly shapes, capturing the festive spirit.

Little Draco loved New Year celebrations. His favorite part was playing around the bright lanterns. Every year, he would make sure the lanterns shone brighter than ever. This year, he even learned new swirly dance moves!

Discover how to draw this adorable scene.

  1. Start with the dragon’s round head by drawing a large oval.
  2. Add a cute, smiling face with big twinkly eyes and small whiskers.
  3. Sketch the dragon’s body as a long, curvy shape with scales along the back.
  4. Remember to make it look spiral and lively.
  5. Add colorful details like horn-like shapes on the dragon’s head and fluffy, wave-like patterns for the mane using bright colors.
  6. Draw the large, traditional lantern beside the dragon.
  7. Start with a circular shape for the top, then add the base and tassels.
  8. Decorate the lantern with bold, simple lines and include smaller lanterns in the background to add depth to the drawing.
  9. Color the dragon in vibrant reds and oranges with accents of blue or green, while lanterns glow in warm reds and golds.

Cheerful Dragon Parade Celebration

Chinese New Year drawing ideas 2025 showcasing a joyful dragon parade with smiling participants carrying a colorful dragon under lanterns.

In a small village, a parade dragon named Smiley led the celebrations every year. Children loved marching under him, feeling like they were part of a grand adventure. Smiley’s vibrant colors and friendly face made every celebration unforgettable.

Follow these steps to draw a lively parade.

  1. Start by drawing the dragon’s large, round head.
  2. Add big eyes and a wide smile.
  3. Sketch the dragon’s long, wavy body with scales along its back.
  4. Draw cheerful children holding sticks under the dragon, wearing traditional clothing.
  5. Include festive lanterns hanging above to add to the celebration.
  6. Finish with vibrant colors: yellow and red for the dragon, and colorful attire for the children.

Joyful Dragon Among Clouds

chinese new year drawing ideas 2025 cheerful dragon flying in fluffy clouds

In a peaceful valley, there was a playful dragon named Fluffy who loved cloud surfing. Every New Year, Fluffy would glide above villages, making kids giggle with joy. His bright colors and friendly nature made everyone look forward to his arrival.

Here are the steps to draw this dragon.

  1. Start with the dragon’s head.
  2. Draw a large, rounded shape, giving it two big, bright eyes.
  3. Create the snout and mouth by adding a rounded, smiling shape beneath the eyes.
  4. Include small, rounded nostrils.
  5. Add the fluffy mane and whiskers using curvy lines around the head.
  6. Sketch two small horns on top using curved lines, ensuring they are symmetrical.
  7. Draw the dragon’s body as a long, winding shape, connecting to the head, and add a pair of small arms near the front.
  8. Create the tail by sketching a tapering curved line at the back of the body, ending with a fluffy tuft.
  9. Draw the wings with a thick outline near the body, adding a few lines to show details.
  10. Incorporate fluffy clouds around the dragon using various rounded shapes, positioning them to appear as though the dragon is flying through them.
  11. Finish by adding details like patterns on the dragon’s body and shading the clouds slightly to give depth.

Warm Dumplings in a Basket

Chinese new year drawing ideas 2025 featuring a basket filled with steaming dumplings, highlighting traditional festive foods.

In a little village, there was a basket filled with the softest dumplings. Each family member enjoyed them during the Chinese New Year feast. The dumplings brought warmth and joy, reminding everyone of the love shared in every bite.

Follow these easy steps to create this drawing.

  1. Begin by sketching an oval to form the base of the basket.
  2. Draw a curved line over the top to make the handle.
  3. Add vertical lines inside the basket base to represent the woven texture.
  4. Draw several round shapes inside the basket for the dumplings.
  5. Add a small curve on top of each dumpling to show the folding.
  6. Sketch light curved lines above the dumplings to illustrate steam.
  7. Outline your drawing and add shading to give it a realistic look.

Dumplings Smiling with Delight

chinese new year drawing ideas 2025 featuring a cheerful bowl of dumplings with smiling faces and sparkling stars, all set in a vibrant red dish.

In a bustling town, there was a bowl of dumplings that loved to smile. Each one had a tiny face that lit up the room. During Chinese New Year, they spread happiness with every bite, making the celebration unforgettable.

Here are the steps to draw this image.

  1. Start by drawing a big oval to form the base of the red dish.
  2. Add two small arches on each side to create the handles.
  3. Inside the oval, sketch multiple small circles to represent the dumplings, varying their sizes to add interest.
  4. Add little curved lines at the top of each circle to create the dumplings’ folded tops, giving them a realistic appearance.
  5. Draw tiny smiling faces on some of the dumplings to make them look cheerful and lively.
  6. Sketch small stars and dots around the bowl to represent sparkling accents that add a festive touch.
  7. Outline the entire drawing with a bold pen to make it stand out, then fill in the colors, use red for the bowl and beige for the dumplings.
  8. Complete your drawing by adding subtle shadows under the dish and stars, enhancing depth and dimension.

Dumpling Making Preparation

chinese new year drawing ideas 2025, featuring a delightful scene of ingredients and tools for making dumplings, symbolizing the festive preparation for the celebration.

In a cozy kitchen, carrot and ginger whispered secrets to the garlic, while the dumplings patiently waited to be made. As each dumpling was crafted, laughter filled the air, bringing families closer during Chinese New Year.

Here’s how you can draw this image easily.

  1. Start with the upper section by drawing a large rectangle for the steamer basket, adding lines for the compartments.
  2. Sketch two small bottles, one with a rounded top and the other with a pointed cap, beside the basket.
  3. Draw three jars with distinct lids, one yellow, one blue, and one red.
  4. Below the jars, add two mixing bowls. One should contain a whisk, the other should be empty.
  5. Include a rolling pin placed diagonally at the bottom right corner, with a whisk beside it.
  6. To the left of the bowls, draw a set of cheerful dumplings using half-circle shapes with tiny eyes and smiley faces.
  7. Add vegetables like carrots and a pair of green onions near the dumplings for a fresh touch.
  8. Remember to include small details, such as cloves of garlic and sprigs of parsley scattered around.
  9. Finish by drawing chopsticks, a star-shaped piece of spice, and droplets of oil near the bowls for a complete cooking scene.

Cheeky Dumpling with Serene Snake

chinese new year drawing ideas 2025 featuring a cute dumpling with a smiling face sitting next to a friendly green snake, showcasing a playful and joyful scene perfect for celebrations.

In a sunny meadow, a playful dumpling met a friendly snake. They decided to have a picnic together. With every bite, laughter filled the air. Their friendship grew strong, bringing joy to everyone around them.

Try these fun steps to draw this.

  1. Start by drawing a large, round shape for the dumpling body using soft, curved lines.
  2. Add two big, round eyes filled with tiny circles for highlights to make them sparkle.
  3. Draw a smiling mouth beneath the eyes and add light blush circles on either side for a cute effect.
  4. Outline the top of the dumpling with wavy, scalloped lines to show its fluffy texture.
  5. Sketch a long, gentle curve around the dumpling for the snake’s body, making sure it overlaps partly.
  6. Complete the snake’s head with a rounded shape and two wide, cheerful eyes.
  7. Draw a small, curved line inside the mouth for a tongue sticking out playfully.
  8. Add pattern lines to the snake’s body for detail, and finish with some decorative dots around the dumpling.

Cozy Dumpling with Green Tea

chinese new year drawing ideas 2025 featuring a cute dumpling with smiling face sitting on a plate next to a warm cup of green tea, steam rising from the cup

In a quaint corner of the city, a smiling dumpling made friends with a cup of green tea. They would chat every morning, brightening the start of each day. As the Chinese New Year arrived, their warm friendship filled hearts with joy.

Discover these fun steps to draw this.

  1. Start by drawing a circle for the top of the dumpling.
  2. Make it slightly bumpy to represent the dumpling texture.
  3. Add two large eyes and a small, curved line below for a smile.
  4. Draw a rectangle below the dumpling for the plate and add parallel lines to create a striped pattern.
  5. Sketch a cup next to the dumpling.
  6. Begin with an oval for the top and draw vertical lines down to a smaller oval for the base.
  7. Inside the cup, draw a smooth curve to represent the tea.
  8. Add a handle to the side of the cup with a simple arc shape.
  9. Draw some curved lines rising above the tea to show steam.
  10. Lastly, color the dumpling white with pink cheeks and the tea a bright green.

Charming Green Dragon Adventure

Chinese New Year drawing ideas 2025 featuring a cute green dragon flying over scenic landscapes with clouds and trees.

Once upon a time, a little green dragon named Ming soared through the skies, bringing joy to everyone below. Ming’s cheerful flights made every day feel like a delightful celebration. Join Ming on his happy journeys.

Let’s draw this adorable dragon together!

  1. Begin by sketching a large, round circle for the dragon’s head.
  2. Add two big, glimmering eyes and a wide, friendly smile.
  3. Draw little horns on top of the head, and add small, curved lines for ears.
  4. Create a long, wavy body extending from the bottom of the head.
  5. Add a few small curves to give it a realistic movement.
  6. Sketch cute little arms and legs along the dragon’s body.
  7. Add details like scales on the body and stripes on the belly to enhance the design.
  8. Draw delicate wings on the dragon’s back, using simple lines to indicate movement.
  9. Fill the background with swirling clouds and green trees to create a playful environment.
  10. Lastly, color the dragon with bright green and add hints of orange and blue to the background.

Playful Green Snake Charm

chinese new year drawing ideas 2025 featuring a cute green snake with big eyes and intricate patterns

Nina the green snake lived in a lush garden. She loved curling up under the warm sun. Nina’s colorful patterns made her the star of every celebration. Everyone adored Nina’s cheerful presence and vibrant personality!

Follow these steps to draw this charming snake.

  1. Start by drawing a small circle for the snake’s head.
  2. Sketch two large, round eyes inside the circle, adding smaller circles for the light reflection.
  3. Draw a curved, smiling line for the mouth below the eyes.
  4. Add small dots around the face for added detail.
  5. Create the body by sketching a coiled shape around the head to represent the snake coiling up.
  6. Use curved lines to illustrate the body, making sure it’s round and smooth.
  7. Add intricate patterns to the snake’s body using circles, dots, and lines.
  8. Draw small heart shapes and dots around the snake to give a playful effect.
  9. Color the snake in vibrant green and add white highlights to the patterns for contrast.

Explorer more drawing ideas:

Radiant Lanterns in Clusters

Chinese New Year drawing ideas 2025 showcasing a cluster of bright red and gold lanterns, symbolizing festivity and celebration.

In a bustling town, a group of lanterns gathered for the New Year. Each one glowed warmly, telling stories of happiness and togetherness. As they swayed in the breeze, they lit up the night with joy.

Here are the steps to create this art.

  1. Start by sketching different-sized ovals to represent the lanterns. Vary the sizes for diversity.
  2. Draw horizontal and vertical lines over each oval to create the panels of the lanterns.
  3. Add small rectangles at the top and bottom of each lantern to represent the caps and tassels.
  4. Draw lines connecting small circles on top of the caps to represent the cords.
  5. Add glowing details on the lanterns by sketching small curved lines on the panels.
  6. Draw tiny sparkling stars around the lanterns to enhance the festive mood.
  7. Outline your sketch with a bold pen to make the drawing stand out.
  8. Use red and gold colors for the lanterns to convey vibrant, festive energy.
  9. Fill in the tassels with a dark shade, adding depth.
  10. Add highlights with a white gel pen to give a glowing effect.

Serene Lanterns Over Water

chinese new year drawing ideas 2025 showcasing vibrant red lanterns reflecting beautifully over a serene water surface, surrounded by gentle greenery.

In a peaceful garden, three bright lanterns gently swayed above a calm pond. Their reflections danced on the water, creating a magical and serene view. Many visitors stopped to admire and enjoy the soothing sight together.

Here’s how to draw this tranquil scene.

  1. Draw three large circles for the lanterns, adding small rectangles on top for the caps.
  2. Create horizontal lines on the circles to add depth to the lanterns.
  3. Sketch vertical lines evenly around the lanterns for texture.
  4. Below the lanterns, draw small shapes for tassels.
  5. Add a gently curved line to connect the lanterns, suggesting string.
  6. Draw the water surface with horizontal wavy lines below the lanterns.
  7. Add mirrored reflections of the lanterns in the water, with softer lines.
  8. Sketch simple shapes for stone platforms and plants on either side.
  9. Outline everything with a dark color to enhance the shapes and details.
  10. Color the lanterns in vibrant shades of red and gold, with greenery around.

Lanterns Brighten Festive Street

chinese new year drawing ideas 2025 featuring a vibrant street adorned with colorful lanterns hanging across, flanked by charming buildings and lush greenery, capturing a festive, joyous atmosphere.

In a bustling town, a lovely street came alive with bright lanterns. Each lantern told a story of happiness and celebration. People gathered to admire their warmth and light, creating memories of joy and togetherness.

Discover how to draw this festive street scene.

  1. Start by drawing a straight street in the center.
  2. Use two parallel horizontal lines for the road, adding a dashed line in the middle to represent markings.
  3. Sketch two rows of charming buildings on each side of the street.
  4. Add rectangular shapes for windows and doors, using lines to create detail.
  5. Add awnings and small plants by the windows.
  6. Use curved lines for the awnings and small leaf shapes for the plants.
  7. Above the street, draw multiple strings of lanterns hanging across.
  8. Use circular shapes for the large lanterns and small teardrop shapes for the smaller decorations.
  9. Add street lamps at intervals along the pavement.
  10. Use long vertical lines for the posts and small inverted triangles for the lamp shapes.
  11. In the background, sketch more trees and additional lanterns to show depth and festivity.
  12. Use layered leaf shapes to form the trees.
  13. Lastly, use warm colors like red, orange, and yellow to paint the lanterns, with green for the foliage, giving it a cheerful, festive touch.

Lanterns Dancing in Breeze

Chinese New Year drawing ideas 2025 featuring colorful lanterns swaying in the wind, illustrating a festive and vibrant scene.

In a small village during Chinese New Year, three playful lanterns danced in the wind. Each one glowed warmly, spreading joy to everyone passing by. Kids giggled, imagining the lanterns were telling tales of joy and new beginnings.

Learn how to bring this image to life with ease.

  1. Draw three round shapes for the lanterns, evenly spaced across the page.
  2. Add horizontal and vertical lines within each circle to create a lantern frame effect.
  3. Draw a small oval for the handle at the top of each lantern.
  4. Extend curved lines below each lantern for the tassels, adding a sense of movement.
  5. Connect the lanterns with a line across the top, simulating a string in the wind.
  6. Enhance with subtle shading for depth and add small flowers around for decoration.

Elegant Red Envelope Design

chinese new year drawing ideas 2025 featuring a vibrant lucky red envelope with intricate patterns and symbols, symbolizing prosperity and good fortune.

In a bustling village, Mei found a lucky red envelope on her doorstep. Its intricate patterns seemed alive with stories of prosperity. Mei tucked it in her pocket, feeling the warmth of good fortune and family traditions.

Here’s how to draw this vibrant envelope.

  1. Draw a horizontal rectangle for the envelope’s base.
  2. Make sure it’s centered on the page.
  3. Add a triangular flap on top of the rectangle to form the envelope’s opening.
  4. Sketch circular and swirl patterns inside the flap and body of the envelope for decoration.
  5. Include small diamond and teardrop shapes to enhance the detail and design.
  6. Emphasize the patterns using bold lines and make sure they are symmetrical.
  7. Color the envelope red, leaving the patterns white to depict traditional decorations.

Joyful Red Envelopes

Chinese New Year drawing ideas 2025 showing a stack of red envelopes with gold patterns and golden coins, symbolizing prosperity and fortune.

During Chinese New Year, a playful cat discovered a pile of red envelopes. Each envelope had beautiful gold designs and hid a special coin. The cat’s curiosity led to a joyful adventure, filled with surprises and warm wishes.

Follow these steps to draw the image.

  1. Start with drawing a big envelope in the center as your main object.
  2. Sketch a rectangle, giving it a slight tilt.
  3. Add a cute, smiling face to the envelope to give it character.
  4. Draw big eyes and a smiling mouth.
  5. Sketch small paws peeking out from the envelope, as if waving happily.
  6. Draw several smaller envelopes around the main envelope, each with a vaulting triangle shape.
  7. Add intricate gold patterns on each envelope’s flap.
  8. Use swirling lines and small floral designs for detail.
  9. Sprinkle small circles and stars around to symbolize coins and sparkles of luck.
  10. Color the envelopes in bright red and the patterns in shimmering gold.
  11. Color the coins golden, adding a little shine to make them look more realistic.

Radiant Red Lantern Glow

chinese new year drawing ideas 2025 featuring a vibrant red lantern with glowing light and decorative elements.

In a joyful town, a bright red lantern hung above the street. It sparkled warmly, inviting villagers to gather and celebrate. Children gazed up in awe, imagining tales of friendship and togetherness shared by the glowing light.

Here’s how to sketch this glowing lantern.

  1. Start by drawing a large, oval shape in the center of your page to represent the body of the lantern.
  2. Add a vertical line through the oval to create the lantern’s midline, helping with symmetry.
  3. On top of the oval, draw a small rectangle for the cap, and another at the bottom for the lantern’s base.
  4. Inside the oval, sketch a bright, circular orb to show the lantern’s glowing light source.
  5. Draw three curved lines connecting the top and bottom rectangles to outline the lantern’s structure.
  6. Add small, decorative lines around the lantern to indicate a warm glow or energy.
  7. Draw a tassel hanging from the bottom rectangle, adding movement and detail.
  8. Finish by coloring the lantern in shades of bright red and yellow to show warmth and vibrancy.

Charming Red Snake Whirl

chinese new year drawing ideas 2025 features a cute red snake with white stripes resembling a cartoon character, showcasing friendly and playful expression ideal for celebration illustrations.

In a peaceful village, a friendly red snake named Slinky delighted everyone with its lively spirals. Children giggled as Slinky twirled around them, his stripes bright and cheerful, spreading joy and laughter during the New Year celebration.

Here’s an easy guide to sketching this adorable snake.

  1. Start with a large oval shape for the snake’s head.
  2. Draw two big circles inside the oval for the eyes. Add small black dots for pupils.
  3. Below the eyes, sketch a small upward curve for the mouth.
  4. Draw the snake’s body with a coiled, spiral shape, making sure it looks curvy and fun.
  5. Add horizontal stripes across the body with equal spacing for the red and white pattern.
  6. Highlight the white part lightly so it stands out against the red.
  7. Color the head and alternate stripes red, leaving some parts white for contrast.
  8. Add small red blush circles near the eyes to make it look cute.
  9. Finish with small sparkles or decorative dots around to add a fun element.

Colorful Dumplings in a Bowl

Chinese New Year drawing ideas 2025 featuring a colorful bowl filled with various bright green, yellow, and white rice dumplings, symbolizing abundance and celebration.

During a lively Chinese New Year celebration, a family gathered to enjoy a bowl of colorful rice dumplings. Each dumpling was a different color, representing happiness, health, and prosperity. The children laughed as they shared stories, making the feast unforgettable.

Learn how to create this colorful drawing.

  1. Start by drawing a large oval shape for the bowl’s outline.
  2. Inside the oval, sketch a curved horizontal line to represent the top edge of the bowl.
  3. Add two small handle shapes on either side of the bowl.
  4. Draw several dome-like shapes inside the bowl representing the rice dumplings.
  5. Decorate the dumplings with small curved lines to give them texture.
  6. Color the dumplings in bright tones of green, yellow, and white.
  7. Add patterns around the bowl for extra detail and color this in shades of yellow and orange.

Adorable Snake Under Lanterns

chinese new year drawing ideas 2025 featuring a cute green snake with a smiling face sitting under hanging red lanterns, symbolizing joy and festivity.

In a bustling village, a cheerful snake named Lina enjoyed the glowing lanterns during New Year festivities. She made a cozy spot beneath them, fascinated by their warm light. As families gathered, Lina felt happy, sharing in the joyful celebration.

Here’s how to draw this fun scene.

  1. Start by drawing a small, rounded oval for the snake’s head.
  2. Add big, expressive eyes and a gentle smile to the face.
  3. Draw the snake’s coiled body using a series of curved lines, making sure to connect them smoothly.
  4. For the lanterns, sketch slightly oval shapes hanging above the snake, keeping them evenly spaced.
  5. Draw small stripes on each lantern to give them a detailed appearance.
  6. Add tiny flickers of light around the snake to create a festive atmosphere.
  7. Finish by coloring the snake green and the lanterns in warm shades of yellow and orange.

Explorer more drawing ideas:

Charming Yellow Dragon with Sparkles

Chinese new year drawing ideas 2025 featuring a cute yellow dragon with sparkles around it, showcasing vibrant scales and a joyful expression.

On Chinese New Year, a little yellow dragon named Ming danced through the village. He was bright and cheerful, spreading joy to everyone he met. Villagers laughed and clapped, making the celebration even more special.

Discover how to draw this cute dragon.

  1. Start by drawing a large, round head with two big eyes, adding tiny sparkles in them for a cute effect.
  2. Sketch the dragon’s small, smiling mouth and little nose at the center of the face.
  3. Draw the dragon’s body as a long, curved shape with tiny paws peeking out at the bottom.
  4. Create the dragon’s tail, curling it playfully with a few wavy lines.
  5. Add two small, curved horns on top of the head and a pair of frilly ears on the sides.
  6. Decorate the body with overlapping scales drawn as tiny half-circles.
  7. Finally, sprinkle a few sparkles around the dragon to emphasize its magical aura.

Conclusion

Hopefully, you enjoyed the creative journey through Chinese New Year drawing ideas for 2025, let each brushstroke and pencil line tell a story of celebration and tradition. From whimsical dragons to symbolically rich designs, these ideas not only enhance your artistic skills but also deepen your appreciation for this vibrant festival. Embrace the festive spirit and let your imagination soar!

Author

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.